Modern Mathematics - International Summer School for Students

Application Information

Participation Details

• The summer school starts on 2 July 2013 (arrival day) and ends on 12 July 2013 (departure day); the program begins on 3 July in the morning and concludes on 11 July in the evening. Participation is only possible for students who stay during the entire duration of the school.
• The language of the school and the entire program will be English; participants must be able to communicate freely in English.
• The school is generously supported by VolkswagenStiftung and Clay Mathematics Institute. The nominal contribution for participants is €400; this this covers all activities for the entire duration of the school, including accommodation, meals, scientific program, and excursion. Nobody will be excluded for financial reasons! We have fellowships available to support deserving participants. These fellowships usually cover partly the participation fee; limited support for travel expenses may be available in exceptional cases.

Participation Requirements

• High school students should be no more than two years before their high school graduation and must have a solid knowledge of calculus.
• University students should not have completed more than two years of university study.
• You must be able to communicate freely in English.

Important dates

Application Process

Personal data

• Last name, first name, gender, date of birth
  Participants who are less than 18 years old on the arrival date will need the consent of their parents to participate and supply their parents' contact data.
• Address and email-address
• High school: name, city, and country, year of graduation
• University: name, city, and country, year of enrollment
• Citizenship
• Visa information: Do you need a visa for Germany / the Schengen states?

English Language Skills

Participants need to have a working knowledge of English. Please convince us of your English language skills: either by proof that the language of instruction (in your mathematics courses) at your school/university is English, or by scores in the TOEFL test (or similar), or by a letter from your English teacher. If your native language is English or if you are at an English-speaking high school or university, please document that to us.

Information about yourself and your mathematical interests

Selection of participants will be based to a large extend on their mathematical interests and background. Please take your time and think carefully about answering the following questions.

1. Personal Statement: Explain us in a few words who you are and what are your motivations to attend our summer school.
2. Three Problems: Describe two or three mathematical problems that you find the most interesting. Please explain clearly what these problem are, and why they do interest you. (We expect to read here about problems that you can fully or almost fully understand; please also explain if, and how well, you understand the proofs.) Moreover, is there a recent theorem or open conjecture that you have heard of and that you find particularly exciting? Please explain.
3. A proof: Is there a mathematical proof that impressed you because it is beautiful or unexpected? Which one, and why?
4. Courses: Describe one or two courses you have taken recently. What were the main theorems (at most three)?
5. Books: Which mathematical books you have read/studied recently in some depth? Specify title, authors, and topic. By your own estimate: how well have you understood the material?
6. Topics: Describe a few mathematical topics that you understand well. Which of them would you like to investigate further?
7. Topics to learn: Specify a few mathematical topics about which you do not know much, but which you would like to learn. Do you have any plans to do so?
8. Scientific activities: During the last two years, did you participate in any scientific activities, summer schools, math camps, etc.? If yes, please describe the experience you had: what were the courses you attended? How well did you understand the subject?
9. Mathematical events: Did you participate in any mathematical events (national or international)? If yes: which were your favorites? What are the results you obtained during the last two years (in case of competitions)? This is not required, just in order to know more about you.
10. Publications: We are aware that at your age, very few of you have already published. Just in case, if you have any mathematics-related publications, please, give exact internet references or attach electronic copies. (Not required.)

Recommendations

We request at least one, better two recommendations from someone who can write about your mathematical abilities and how you would do at such an international summer school (teacher, professor, olympiad coach). This recommendation should state who the recommender is and how well he or she knows you. This letter must be submitted through the electronic application system by the recommender or be sent separately to us. Please note that we will not be able to read more than two recommendation letters per applicant.

All documents must be submitted in pdf format.

Technical Information

1. Create an account and fill in the standard cover sheet
   When you go to the electronic application system, you will be asked to create an account or log into an already existing account. After entering your login credentials, you will be asked to "Create A New Standard Coversheet". It is sufficient to enter only the mandatory fields; the question about U.S. residency should be ignored.
2. Enter the names of your recommenders
   On the standard cover sheet, you must add the names and email addresses of your recommenders. Once you complete your application, you can invite them electronically to submit their letters. However, we strongly suggest that you talk to your recommenders in advance. The names of your recommenders can be completed or changed at a later time. We accept letters by regular mail or by fax; however, we suggest using electronic submission via the application system whenever possible. An example of a properly completed standard cover sheet is provided here.
3. Complete the MOMISSS program questionnaire
   Once the cover sheet is completed, you can proceed to the program application page. The questionnaire on this page is self-explanatory. There is some redundancy with the standard cover sheet, but note that the information on this page is what we use for our internal purposes, so fill in this page with care. You will have the option to upload the answers to the 10 application questions above and your English language certificate (if necessary). Moreover, you will be presented with the option to send letter request emails to your recommenders.

• Continue to the electronic application system.
• For questions or to report problems, please contact us at mathschool@jacobs-university.de.